Fantasy Basketball News, Tips, Advice and Player Rankings

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Fantasy Basketball Notes, Tips and Advice for Monday, November 4, 2024

In yesterday's NBA games, the top fantasy basketball players were Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Luka Doncic, Jalen Duren (Pistons), Trae Young, Brandon Ingram.

Per Rotoworld, "Jalen Johnson shot 12-of-20 from the field and 5-of-6 from the foul line in Sunday’s win over the Pelicans, scoring 29 points with nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes. In a game matching two teams hit hard by injuries, the Hawks had more healthy options in their lineup, including Johnson. Matching his season-high with 29 points, Johnson’s scored 21 or more in three of his last four games. While he hasn’t yet produced to the level of his Yahoo ADP (42), Jalen is primed for another standout season, provided he remains healthy. The Hawks play four games in Week 3, beginning with the Celtics on Monday."

Per Rotoworld, "Trae Young finished Sunday’s win over New Orleans with 23 points (8-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), four rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, and five 3-pointers in 31 minutes. Having scored 23 points or more in six of seven games to begin the season, Young was elite on Sunday. In addition to the efficient scoring, he dished out 14 assists while committing two turnovers. Young’s providing 1st-round per-game value in 9-cat formats and is a top-5 player when turnovers are punted. This has the makings of a huge fantasy season for Young, which is what fantasy managers were hoping for."

Per Rotoworld, "Brandon Ingram amassed 32 points (12-of-19 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and four 3-pointers in 30 minutes in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta. Already playing without three starters due to injury, the Pelicans lost a fourth just before the start of Sunday’s game when Zion Williamson (hamstring) was scratched. That placed even more responsibility on Ingram’s shoulders. While he committed six turnovers, that’s understandable given the state of the Pelicans’ rotation. Ingram scored efficiently and recorded a complete stat line, resulting in far more positives than negatives for fantasy managers. New Orleans plays three games in Week 3, beginning with Portland on Monday."

Per Rotoworld, "Luka Doncic finished Sunday’s win over Orlando with 32 points (11-of-22 FGs, 5-of-7 FTs), nine rebounds, seven assists, and five 3-pointers in 32 minutes. Luka was highly aggressive to begin Sunday’s game, shooting 5-of-10 from the field in the first quarter. He was even more accurate in the second, shooting 4-of-6 to help Dallas outscore Orlando by a 35-18 margin in the quarter. The game was essentially over by halftime, with Doncic calling it a night with just under eight minutes to go in the fourth. The Mavericks play four games in Week 3, beginning with Indiana on Monday."

Fantasy Basketball Notes, Tips and Advice for Friday, November 1, 2024

In yesterday's NBA games, the top fantasy basketball players were Wemby, Devin Booker, James Harden, Giannis, Ja Morant.

Per Rotoworld, "Ja Morant logged 29 minutes in Thursday’s win over Milwaukee, accumulating 26 points (9-of-16 FGs, 6-of-7 FTs), 10 rebounds, 14 assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers. Morant nearly recorded a triple-double before halftime, as he headed into the break with 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. He’d get the 12th triple-double of his NBA career during the second half, a fitting capper to a dominant performance by the Grizzlies. Depending on how much time Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane miss due to their respective injuries, Thursday could be a sign of what’s to come from Morant."

Per Rotoworld, "Khris Middleton (bilateral ankle surgeries) told Eric Nehm of The Athletic that he’s “feeling better and better each day.” While Middleton is feeling better after undergoing surgeries on both ankles this summer, he hasn’t reached the point where he can play in games. “I feel good, just not good enough to play that’s all,” Middleton told The Athletic. “That’s really all I can say at this point. And just working to get back on the court. I’m feeling better and better each day just not good enough to play yet.” Middleton remains without a timeline for return, although he continues to go through the ramp-up process. Taurean Prince will remain the starter until that changes, but he is only worth a look in deep leagues."

Per Rotoworld, "Victor Wembanyama finished Thursday’s win over Utah with 25 points (9-of-20 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals, five blocks, and four 3-pointers in 34 minutes. After being thoroughly outplayed by Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren on Wednesday, Wembanyama bounced back quickly. The Spurs phenom put up the famed “5x5" stat line, tallying five points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. In addition to that achievement, Wemby hit four 3-pointers (on 13 attempts). Given the matchup, this was a prime opportunity for Wembanyama to get untracked, and he made the most of it."

Per Rotoworld, "Devin Booker shot 11-of-18 from the field and 13-of-15 from the foul line in Thursday’s win over the Clippers, scoring 40 points with five rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and five 3-pointers in 38 minutes. The Suns erased a 21-point deficit on Thursday, and while there were unsung heroes, Booker led the way. Not only did he establish a new season-high with 40 points, but Book also holds the record for most points in a game at the new Intuit Dome. The Suns have played two of their last three without Bradley Beal, and it hasn’t been a significant issue due to the play of Booker and Kevin Durant, as well as the supporting cast."

Per Rotoworld, "James Harden finished Thursday’s loss to the Suns with 25 points (8-of-19 FGs, 6-of-7 FTs), 10 rebounds, 13 assists, two steals, two blocks, and three 3-pointers in 36 minutes. Harden finished Thursday’s defeat with a triple-double, but the game was a tale of two halves for him and the Clippers. The Beard nearly had that triple-double by halftime, but a 1-of-5 third quarter factored into Phoenix’s ability to erase a 21-point deficit. While Harden did commit six turnovers, the four defensive contributions helped compensate for that. The Clippers will look to rebound when they host the Thunder on Saturday."


Fantasy Basketball Notes, Tips and Advice for Thursday, October 31, 2024

In yesterday's NBA games, the top fantasy basketball players were Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Nick Richards (Hornets), Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Johnson.

Per Rotoworld, "Paolo Banchero shot 12-of-22 from the field and 5-of-7 from the foul line in Wednesday’s loss to the Bulls, accumulating 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two 3-pointers in 37 minutes. Banchero hit a miraculous shot at the end of Wednesday’s defeat, but it was waved off almost instantly because there was only one-tenth of a second on the clock when the play began. He followed up his 50-point performance with another quality effort, and Paolo has scored 31 or more in three of Orlando’s first five games. The free-throw percentage could use some polish, but Banchero is setting up to be the stud many expected him to be before the season began."

Per Rotoworld, "Zion Williamson struggled again on Wednesday and finished with just 12 points (5-of-20 FGs, 2-of-7 FTs), 12 rebounds, four assists and one block against the Warriors. Field goal percentage has been one of Williamson’s strongest categories throughout his career, but it has been a weakness for him early on this season. He has shot below 30% in three of his four appearances this year, though it seemed like he was going to get back on track after scoring 31 on 60% shooting on Tuesday. The double-double was helpful to retain some value, but there’s no denying that Zion has been one of the most disappointing players in fantasy basketball this season. He’ll look to get back on track against the Pacers on Friday before they play a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday."

Per Rotoworld, "Anfernee Simons led Portland with 25 points (10-of-24 FGs), two rebounds, six assists and three 3-pointers in a 106-105 win over the Clippers on Wednesday. After struggling in their last game, Simons was able to bounce back in this one and lead the team in scoring. His weak categories, such as rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage, continue to plague his value in 9-cat leagues, though that isn’t uncommon for an undersized guard. However, the points, 3-pointers and assists have been plentiful thus far, and he has maintained an elite free throw percentage and rate. Simons will continue to be exactly what he was expected to be, with some occasional poor shooting nights mixed in. Still, he responded well in this game, which was encouraging to see."

Per Rotoworld, "Norman Powell led the Clippers with 30 points (11-of-22 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, one steal and five 3-pointers in a 106-105 loss to Portland on Wednesday. Powell has been fantastic to start this season, and that continued in this game. He called it “addition by subtraction” when they lost Paul George, because he said he would get a chance to step up. He has done just that, which has played well in fantasy hoops. Most of Powell’s value has come from his efficient scoring and shooting, as he has shot 51.4% from the floor on 18.5 attempts per game, which has led to 26.0 points and 3.8 triples per game. Managers can’t rely on him for much production in other categories, but he should be an excellent scoring option all year."

Per Rotoworld, "James Harden posted a well-rounded line on Wednesday with 19 points (6-of-18 FGs), five rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, five triples and five turnovers against the Trail Blazers. While the counting stats continue to be great, efficiency continues to plague Harden’s value. His 35.5% field goal percentage and 6.3 turnovers per game would both be the worst marks of his career, even if his other numbers are more reminiscent of the player that was a perennial top ten player in fantasy basketball. Harden doesn’t have to produce to that level, but if he can improve his efficiency to a level that is simply “bad” and not “by far worst in the league”, his value in 9-cat leagues will skyrocket. We’ll see if he can make that happen on the second night of a back-to-back against the suns on Thursday."


Fantasy Basketball Notes, Tips and Advice for Wednesday, October 30, 2024

In yesterday's NBA games, the top fantasy basketball players were Nikola Jokic, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Edwards, Dennis Schroder, Luka Doncic.

Per Rotoworld, "Luka Doncic put up 24 points (10-of-27 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs) with eight rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and a three-pointer in the Dallas Mavericks matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic didn’t shoot the ball well but battled through a knee injury while contributing with his passing and rebounding en route to a win. Doncic remains a triple-double threat on a nightly basis."

Per Rotoworld, "Dennis Schroder posted 28 points (10-of-18 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs) with 14 assists and five three-pointers in the Brooklyn Nets’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Schroder is on a roll. The Nets point guard has posted at least 20 points, six assists, and three three-pointers in three consecutive games. Brooklyn doesn’t have a legitimate backup point guard and Schroder is making the most of his situation."

Per Rotoworld, "Domantas Sabonis secured a double-double with 28 points (13-of-18 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs) with 11 rebounds, four steals, and a three-pointer in Tuesday’s Sacramento Kings-Utah Jazz matchup. Sabonis remains a double-double machine. The Kings’ big man has recorded three straight after falling two rebounds short in his 2024-25 opener. He’s been model of efficiency from everywhere but the free throw line so far this season."

Per Rotoworld, "Buddy Hield totaled 28 points (9-of-18 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs) with a rebound, an assist, two steals, and seven three-pointers to lead the Golden State Warriors past the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Hield scored just three first-half points and began the second half on the bench. However, his benching lit a fire under him. He made eight of his 10 field goal attempts in the second half. He’s now hit five or more triples in three of his four games with the Dubs."

Per Rotoworld, "Zion Williamson torched the Warriors for 31 points (12-of-20 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs) with eight rebounds, three assists, a block, and a three-pointer in the New Orleans Pelicans’ Tuesday game against the Golden State Warriors. Williamson eclipsed 20 points and shot better than 50% from the field for the first time this season on Tuesday. The Pelicans’ big man is warming up after a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign."


Fantasy Basketball Notes, Tips and Advice for Tuesday, October 29, 2024

In yesterday's NBA games, the top fantasy basketball players were Paolo Banchero, Nikola Jokic, Scottie Barnes, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard.

Per Rotoworld, "De’Aaron Fox shot 9-of-20 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line in Monday’s win over Portland, scoring 24 points with six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers in 35 minutes. Fox made some history on Monday, becoming the fifth player in Kings history to score at least 10,000 points for the franchise. He’s shot 9-of-20 from the field in consecutive games, and field goal percentage and turnovers have been an issue in Sacramento’s first three contests. The good news is that the foul shooting has improved, with Fox now 13-of-14 on the season. That category has been an issue in previous seasons, limiting Fox’s value, but he’s remained a solid fantasy asset."

Per Rotoworld, "Devin Booker shot 11-of-23 from the field and 8-of-8 from the foul line in Monday’s win over the Lakers, recording a stat line of 33 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers in 39 minutes. Booker notched his first 30-point game of the season on Monday, and this was also his first game with double-digit field goal makes. The Suns guard wasn’t exactly in a slump to begin the season, but the output wasn’t on par with what fantasy managers have come to expect. Monday’s performance was a welcome start to Week 2 for Booker, the Suns, and fantasy managers."

Per Rotoworld, "Anthony Davis finished Monday’s loss to the Suns with 29 points (12-of-24 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks in 36 minutes. Davis’s streak of 30-point games to begin the season ended at three, with the Lakers star falling one point shy on Monday. However, the overall stat line was robust, with AD continuing to flourish under new head coach JJ Redick. As long as he stays healthy, this could be a massive year for Davis and the fantasy managers who have him rostered."

Per Rotoworld, "Luka Doncic struggled with his shot on Monday but still contributed 15 points (5-of-22 FGs), nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block and one 3-pointer in a 110-102 win over Utah. Doncic had an uncharacteristically poor shooting performance in ths game, but he was still nearly able to record a triple-double and help his team secure a win. He had 40 points in a loss just two days prior to this game, but he wasn’t able to carry that shooting magic with him. They’ll head to Minnesota to play the second night of a back-to-back on Tuesday, so we’ll see if Doncic is able to bounce back quickly. Luka hasn’t been on the injury report, but since he was dealing with a calf injury during the preseason, there is certainly a chance that he’ll be deemed questionable for their second game in as many days."

Per Rotoworld, "Victor Wembanyama recorded a monster double-double on Monday with 14 points (6-of-14 FGs), 20 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and one 3-pointer in a 106-101 loss to the Rockets. For the third time in his young career, Wemby was able to reach the 20-rebound mark in a single game. He obviously has quite the height advantage, so there should be plenty more games like this throughout his career. It hasn’t been the prettiest start to the season for a player that was being drafted first overall in many leagues, but he has still put up some impressive numbers, specifically on the glass and as a shot blocker. As he logs more games and develops chemistry with his new point guard Chris Paul, expect Wemby to continue to improve his numbers."


Fantasy Basketball Notes, Tips and Advice for Monday, October 28, 2024

In yesterday's NBA games, the top fantasy basketball players were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Tyrese Maxey, Ivica Zubac, Jerami Grant.

Per Rotoworld, "Andrew Wiggins shot 11-of-15 from the field and 2-of-3 from the foul line in Sunday’s loss to the Clippers, accumulating 29 points, three rebounds, one steal, one block, and five 3-pointers in 29 minutes. After shooting 3-of-10 from the field in Friday’s game against the Jazz, Wiggins got back on track Sunday night. Depending on whether or not Stephen Curry (ankle) misses time after exiting Sunday’s loss, Wiggins is one of the Warriors who may have to do more scoring. Wiggins has scored 20 or more in two of Golden State’s first three games, a good start for a player who had a forgettable 2023-24 campaign. The Warriors play three games in Week 2, beginning with a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back against the Pelicans."

Per Rotoworld, "James Harden finished Sunday’s win over the Clippers with 23 points (6-of-19 FGs, 9-of-9 FTs), seven rebounds, 11 assists, and two 3-pointers in 35 minutes. Harden didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, going 6-of-19 from the field (2-of-12 from three). But he managed to record another points/assists double-double, which was his second in as many games. The Clippers play three games in Week 2, and they’re off until Wednesday night when they host the Trail Blazers."

Per Rotoworld, "Ivica Zubac played 38 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Warriors, amassing 23 points (10-of-19 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 17 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one blocked shot. While there were expectations that Zubac would be more impactful this season, few envisioned this start. He’s the second center in Clippers history to open the season with three straight games of 20 points or more, joining Bob McAdoo (who did it twice). Just as notable as the scoring are the assists. With a career average of 1.2 assists per game, Zubac has 13 through three games. While this run may not feel normal, fantasy managers should not “sell high” on Zubac. Hold onto him, especially since it is unknown when Kawhi Leonard will return."

Per Rotoworld, "Chet Holmgren finished Sunday’s win over Atlanta with 25 points (8-of-12 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, six blocks, and three 3-pointers in 33 minutes. After blocking six shots in Oklahoma City’s first two games, Holmgren recorded six more against the Hawks. While the consensus was that he would improve after a stellar rookie season, fantasy managers may not have expected this. It’s early, but Holmgren looks like a player who should have been a first-round lock in standard league drafts. Oklahoma City plays three games in Week 2, beginning with the Spurs on Wednesday."

Per Rotoworld, "Cam Thomas shot 10-of-21 from the field and 10-of-11 from the foul line in Sunday’s win over Milwaukee, accounting for 32 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers in 35 minutes. Thomas has surpassed the 30-point mark in two of three games this season. The exception was Friday’s loss to Orlando, an unsurprising development given that team’s surplus of lengthy, athletic defenders. Thomas did not encounter as much resistance on Sunday and took full advantage. Add in the rebounds and steals, and this was an excellent night for managers who have him rostered."




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FANTASY BASKETBALL PLAYER RATINGS
Updated March 28, 2024

BEST FANTASY GUARDS 2024: Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, LaMelo Ball, Jalen Brunson, De'Aaron Fox.

BEST FANTASY FORWARDS 2024: Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Julius Randle, Scottie Barnes, Paolo Banchero, DeMar DeRozan, Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson.

BEST FANTASY CENTERS 2024: Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis, Alperen Sengun, Victor Wembanyama, Bam Adebayo, Nikola Vucevic, Jarrett Allen, Chet Holmgren.

Fantasy Basketball Links:
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Guards | Forwards | Centers